In 2019, Ollikainen was appointed chief conductor and artistic director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, in a four-year contract to commence with the 2021 season.
[1] Ollikainen began piano studies at the age of 3,[2] and also learned the violin and French horn.
[3] She attended the Sibelius Academy from 1994 to 2002 and graduated in 2002 with a Master of Music degree in piano.
[5] This appointment marked Ollikainen's first chief conductorship, and she is the first female conductor to be named to this post.
[6] In June 2019, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra announced the appointment of Ollikainen as its next chief conductor and artistic advisor, effective for the 2020–2021 season, with an initial contract through 2024.